John Niland


... at Grimethorpe Colliery, thirty two years. When the pit closed in 1993 he retrained into woodworking crafts with the intention of setting up as a furniture restorer. As he was of an age where he could take advantage of superannuation, this became more of a hobby that could supplement his pension rather than a full on business. John spent two years at Barnsley College on a bench joinery course NVQ. He then transferred to Sheffield Parkwood College where he took a City and Guilds in furniture making.

To be a furniture restorer you have to have some knowledge of all the skills involved in making furniture, to this end John set himself the task of gaining as many of these skills as possible. He took advantage of a grant funded course that came via British Coal. This was to attend the Eastwood School of French Polishing in Nottingham, full time for three months. Other skills he gained include Marquetry, Indian Canework and woodcarving. He also dabbles in upholstery.

John is a founder member and group leader of Cudworth Community Workshop which runs courses in woodworking and craft skills at their workshop or from workshops in local schools. In particular, John runs a successful woodcarving class which is now in its eighth year. John enjoys working with all these skills but woodcarving is the one he would choose if he could only have one.

If you would like to know more about Cudworth Community Workshop, you can contact John by email

 


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